Through its virtual office in Germany, TRENDS Research & Advisory hosted Brigadier (Ret.) Gustav Gustenau, Secretary-General of the European Institute for Counter Terrorism and Conflict Prevention (EICTP), headquartered in Vienna, for a dialogue session held at TRENDS’ main headquarters in Abu Dhabi. The session focused on prospects for joint research cooperation.

The visit came as part of TRENDS’ ongoing efforts to strengthen its international partnerships and exchange scientific expertise in this vital field.  Both sides held a dialogue session exploring mechanisms for collaboration in strategic studies, data analysis, and the development of training and awareness programs to address emerging terrorist threats. The session also reviewed the experiences of leading European and global research institutions in crisis management and conflict prevention.

Brigadier Gustenau emphasized the importance of building local and regional capacities in risk analysis, cyber-terrorism, and the development of advanced research frameworks to counter terrorist organizations. Such efforts will contribute to regional stability and a safer environment for communities. The session concluded with a mutual agreement to maintain close cooperation and to launch joint initiatives in the near future, including workshops, training programs, and the exchange of academic and technical expertise in counter terrorism and conflict prevention.

Research Cooperation

In a related context, TRENDS Research & Advisory received at its Abu Dhabi headquarters the President of the international organization Humanity Without Borders, based in Berlin, Mr. Mustafa Al-Ammar — a member of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and of the party’s National Security Network — along with his deputy, Mr. Philipp Schiffer. The visit aimed to explore avenues of cooperation and to strengthen the research partnership between the two sides.

This visit followed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between TRENDS and the organization on the sidelines of the Frankfurt International Book Fair. The memorandum aims to establish sustainable cooperation in the areas of joint research, intellectual dialogue, and community and humanitarian initiatives with a global dimension. During the meeting, the organization’s delegation held an extensive discussion with several TRENDS researchers, addressing key issues such as combating extremism, promoting social engagement, and enhancing the role of humanitarian work in fostering the values of tolerance and coexistence. The Emirati and German experiences were also highlighted as leading models in supporting humanitarian values and in fostering cultural and civilizational communication among peoples.

Both sides emphasized the importance of continued cooperation in organizing joint intellectual and research events addressing global issues of common interest. Such collaboration, they noted, enhances the role of scientific research in supporting stability and sustainable development, while consolidating the values of dialogue and moderation at both the regional and international levels.